Coaches

Katey Thompson

Varsity Head Coach

kateythmpsn@yahoo.com

Coach Thompson is entering her fourth season as the head coach for the Corona Del Mar Sea Kings. Last year, the Sea Kings finished tied for third in CIF and the State Regional Playoffs. In her second season, she led the Sea Kings to a CIF Final and State Regional Semi- Finals Appearance.

Coach Thompson grew up in Newport and attended Newport Harbor where she played volleyball for Dan Glenn; graduating in 2010. In her senior season, the team won CIF and a State Championship. As a result, Katey became Sunset League MVP and CIF Player of the Year. She attended UCSB for all four years on a full athletic scholarship. Katey topped off her senior year at UCSB winning the Big West Conference Title. After college, Katey coached at Newport Harbor under Dan Glenn for the girls and Rocky Ciarelli for the boys, for four years.

In 2022, Katey coached at Orange Coast Volleyball Club as the 18-1s Head Coach, where they won 1st Place in the Open Division at Junior Nationals. In 2021, as the coach of the 17-1s they won Third Place in the Open Division at Junior Nationals.

Katey is also an elementary school teacher in Saddleback Valley Unified School District as a 5th-grade teacher and recently earned the award of Top 10 Teacher of Orange County by OC Parenting Magazine. Katey continued her education and also holds a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership and Administration.

Coach Thompson is proud to be a part of this prestigious program and carry on the Sea King tradition.

Sam Stafford

Varsity Assistant

Sam Stafford has been with the CdM volleyball program for the past twelve years. He has coached both Frosh/Soph and JV teams and has led them all to league championships and tournament titles. This is his sixth year as Assistant Varsity Coach. Sam has also coached for the Newport Harbor High School girls’ volleyball program with Coach Dan Glenn. Recently Sam coached the CdM Girls’s Volleyball program with Coach Steve Astor.

While a student at CDM, Coach Stafford played all four years as a setter, and played on the teams that won CIF Championships in 2005 and 2007.

Coach Stafford is excited to join his alma mater as a Physical Education Teacher.

Nick Hannaman

Varsity Assistant

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Aubrey Caires

Junior Varsity Head Coach

Aubrey Caires is in her first year at CDM as both a coach and a PE teacher. Aubrey has coached boys and girls volleyball at Diamond Ranch High School and most recently at Tustin High School. In her time at Tustin, her JV team won league, and she took her Varsity boys team to CIF in both of her first 2 years as an interim head coach. Aubrey also briefly coached club at Pulse in 2023. She has coached a variety of teams and youth sports for 10 years in addition to her own playing experience. Aubrey attended and played at Whittier College where she was a part of the team who went to the NCAA Division 3 National Championship Tournament for the first time in program history. At Whittier, she received a Bachelor’s in kinesiology with a minor in organizational leadership. Aubrey has also earned her Master’s degree in exercise science with an emphasis in strength and conditioning. Prior to college, Aubrey attended and played at Douglas High School in Minden, Nevada.

Tyler Lee

JV Assistant Coach

Dr. Tyler Lee, DPT was born and raised in New Jersey, where he grew up playing competitive volleyball. He went on to play D1 Indoor Volleyball during his undergraduate at Sacred Heart University in Connecticut. Upon Graduation, he continued his studies at Sacred Heart University, receiving a Doctorate in Physical Therapy with an interest in Sports and Orthopedics. Dr. Lee continues to compete in volleyball tournament and attributes his passion for physical health and wellness from his athletic background.

Aiden Fisher

Frosh Soph Head Coach

Aiden brings a wealth of experience and passion to the freshman team. A standout player at Calabasas High School, he was a three-year varsity athlete and earned numerous accolades, including All-League First Team honors, Libero of the Year, and recognition as an All-LA County Player. His club career includes competing with SMBC and SoCal Legends, further sharpening his skills at an elite level. Currently playing at Orange Coast College, he continues to elevate his game while sharing his knowledge as a coach at Balboa Bay Volleyball Club. His dedication to the sport and commitment to player development make him an invaluable asset to the program….

Stephan Rivas, ATC

Athletic Trainer

I graduated Cum Laude from Illinois State university in 2015 and recieved my Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training. While attending Illinois State, I obtained 3000 clinical hours rotating several site rotations under various Certified Athletic Trainers. These sites included high school, NCAA Division I, and Division III sports. In addition, I completed a summer internship with the Chicago Bears in 2014 and spring of 2015. From there, I went on to receive a post-professional Master of Science degree in Athletic Training from Texas State University in 2017. While attending Texas State University, I worked as a full-time Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer for the university’s softball team. In the summer of 2017, I solely cared for the “Texas Charge” – a professional summer league softball team. I also have experience working with youth sports, industrial work sites, an outpatient physical therapy clinic, and two high schools including Corona Del Mar High School. I am a published author in three sports medicine journals. My treatment approach is centered on corrective exercises that are supplemented with soft tissue release techniques, stretching, and modalities. When I am not at work I enjoy surfing, exercising, and playing guitar. I am very grateful to be working with the athletes at CDM! I hope I add a positive experience to your child’s time here.

Go Seakings!